It backs me into a small corner of my mind. A space where social interactions feel consuming. Where just getting out of bed feels like an accomplishment. Where the things I need to accomplish during the day feel impossible.

Some days it robs me of my breath, leaving me gasping for air. It attempts to steal my peace, my confidence and my courage.

It tries to make me shrink inside myself and blend into the background, as if the person I’ve worked to become is all a ruse.

It seeks to make me question the small progress I think I’ve made. To make me believe my efforts at treating it are done in vain.

It’s goal is to make me give in, lay down and accept it.

But the thing is…I’m not going to give in. I’m not going to accept it. And even when my anxiety is lurking around the corner, hiding and waiting for me to let my guard down…I’ll still be ready to fight it.

1. Saying no to things that aren’t immediate. There are things I have to do, like going to work and school and taking care of the kids but do I NEED to do those dishes now? Can that laundry wait? Do I need to accept that invitation to go somewhere? Not allowing myself to get overwhelmed.

2. Making sure I’m paying extra attention to what I’m putting in my body, because body and mind work together. I usually cut back on the alcohol when I’m feeling bad, even wine. And making sure I’m getting enough water.

And 3. Just remembering it’s temporary and I’ve powered through rough days this long, so I can keep doing it.

I can so totally relate to these feelings of being so totally beaten down by anxiety, but that refusal to let it win! Love your perspective, and appreciate you sharing your journey! Let’s keep on fighting ❤